Oyo Govt pledges to reduce out-of-school children

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children, according to Prof. Salihu Adelabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology.

In an interview with newsmen on Monday, he addressed the concerning trend of school-age children roaming the streets of Ibadan during school hours.

Adelabu reported that during Governor Seyi Makinde’s first term, approximately 20% of out-of-school children were reintegrated into the education system.

However, he noted that the migration of children from other states poses a significant challenge, as many of these children are seen hawking goods or engaging in negative behaviours.

“Profiling these children has proven difficult, as many cannot be traced to recognized parents or guardians,” he explained.

He emphasised that some children exhibit a negative attitude towards education, influenced by similar views held by their parents. Adelabu recounted an instance where three girls expressed their disinterest in schooling in front of their mothers.

Despite these challenges, the commissioner pledged ongoing investments in educational infrastructure, including the establishment of model schools to accommodate various student needs.

He stated that Oyo’s student population is well-managed, with no school exceeding 1,500 students.

Plans for future recruitment include around 7,000 teachers and caregivers for basic education, as well as 7,500 teachers and 3,000 non-teaching staff for secondary schools.

Adelabu commended the Makinde administration for these initiatives, which aim to enhance educational access and quality across the state.